COPPER REPIPING
Buyers Wary of Alternative Materials
One bad experience is enough to turn off any homebuyer from cheaper alternatives to copper tube. And since many of these alternatives are so new on the plumbing market, bad experiences are becoming more common for homebuyers willing to experiment.
Centex Homes' Randy Luther says that many of his clients know that alternative plumbing tube materials are available, but they also realize the risks that are involved with them. "I think most people are aware that there are alternative water-supply pipes available on the market today," says Luther, "but the history of those has not been quite as consistent as that of copper."
John Bayda says he didn't realize his builder was using plastic pipe for the plumbing system until it was too late. "It was a pretty traumatic experience," said Bayda, whose first home had polybutylene pipe. "It lasted about two years and it burst. It took about three or four days before the people came out to fix my pipe, so I'm a firm believer in copper tubing," says Bayda, who refused a free replacement of plastic pipe and paid extra for copper.
John Anderson is another homeowner with a horror story. Anderson had a plastic plumbing system put in a vacation cabin and says he lived to regret it. "We had nothing but problems and leaks," says Anderson.
Brandon Anderson says he was fortunate to avoid any problems by taking a lesson from an experience a friend had. "His home had some piping different than copper, and the pipe popped. Five ceilings had to be replaced and walls, too, from the water damage," says Anderson, who has chosen copper plumbing for his own home.
Homebuyers Will Pay More for Copper
Builders who install copper plumbing know that the initial extra cost far outweighs the risk of using less reliable plumbing tube materials. James Mumper, president of J.W. Mumper Construction in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, says that his policy is to tell it like it is to clients who are looking to cut costs.
"The couple hundred dollars you may save by using another product—if you have one failure, the cost to repair that failure is going to far exceed the savings," says Mumper.
Many homebuyers realize that copper plumbing may cost a bit more initially, but they also recognize its value. That's why many homebuyers are not hesitant to spend a little more upfront to ensure the investment of their home's major utility system.
Joan Pelligrini is a strong supporter of this philosophy. "You get what you pay for, and I would be willing to pay a little more for copper plumbing because it's stronger and more durable," says Pelligrini.
John Anderson says he wouldn't flinch over the initial added expense of copper because in the long run it probably ends up costing less. "I think ultimately copper isn't more expensive because you won't have as many repairs, like you would with other products," says Anderson.
Brandon Anderson agrees. "It's well worth it, it will save you money in the long run in damages that are sure to happen," he says.
Jackson Properties' Chris Graham says that as a builder, he wouldn't even consider an alternative to copper to cut costs. "There are areas where you can cut corners, but one of the major mechanical systems in your house, such as the plumbing system, is not an area where I would ever choose to cut a corner," says Graham. "Copper plumbing is not something I would ever choose to save $150, $200 even $300 a house on, because I know that the potential liability down the road is worth ten times that."
Buyers Acknowledge the Resale Value of Homes with Copper
In addition to all the direct benefits homeowners gain from copper, they will also gain a major return on the investment of their home at the time of resale. Homeowners say this is a major consideration in purchasing a home. Builders confirm that it's a whole lot easier to resell a home that has copper plumbing than one with a cheaper alternative.
"I've seen many times where buyers will call the builder and ask them what kind of plumbing is installed in their home, and to some people it is the reason they will or will not buy a house," says Jackson Properties' warranty service manager, Lance Baldwin.
Homeowner John Bayda agrees with Baldwin that copper increases a home's value. "Having copper in your home is a good investment in your future and your home," says Bayda.
Homeowner Brandon Anderson also expects that copper plumbing will provide a return on investment for his home. "Copper plumbing can last the lifetime of a house—it's a sure thing," says Anderson. "Your house will be more valuable."
Take The Test
In order to help homeowners, potential homeowners and consumers make educated decisions when it comes to plumbing, the CDA has developed a 12-point Plumbing Test. Not surprisingly, copper is the only plumbing material that can answer "yes" to each of the following questions. How does your plumbing match up?
The CDA 12-Point Plumbing Test
- Does your plumbing material have a long-term, proven performance record?
- Is it permeable; can it block contaminants from penetrating its walls?
- Can the joints withstand rapid pressure and temperature changes?
- Will it perform well in all weather, and is easily thawed, if necessary?
- Does it resist punctures and abrasions and not become brittle with age?
- Does it inhibit the breeding of harmful germs?
- Will it not burn, or give off smoke or toxic fumes, when exposed to fire?
- Will it withstand the weather and the sun's ultraviolet rays in outdoor applications?
- Is it maintenance-free and has a low lifetime cost of ownership?
- Will it add to your home's resale value?
- Does it have nationwide approval of building inspectors and engineers?
- Does it have inherent quality and value, or offer 'false economy' like some competing materials?
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Residential Copper Plumbing Products Limited Warranty |
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| What The Warranty Terms Mean |
In this warranty "Manufacturer" refers to the company listed below which manufactured the Product and any person or company that assumes its obligations under this warranty. "Homeowner" means you as the owner of the residential building in the United States in which the Product has been installed and also means any succeeding owner during the original warranty term. "Product" means the copper water tube and/or copper or brass fittings manufactured by the Manufacturer for the residential building market in the United States. Each Manufacturer listed below separately and individually warrants only Products it has manufactured and does not warrant Products of any other company, whether or not listed below. | ||||||||||||||||||
| Date The Warranty Begins |
The warranty begins on the date of the new home purchase, or in the case of home additions or renovations, on the date the installation is completed. The warranty is transferable to succeeding Homeowners for the remainder of the original warranty term, in which case the date the warranty begins shall continue without change. | ||||||||||||||||||
| What Is Covered |
The Manufacturer warrants to the Homeowner for a period of 50 years from the date the warranty begins that its properly installed Product will be free of failure as a result of defects in material or workmanship in manufacturing the Product. | ||||||||||||||||||
| What The Manufacturer Will Do For You |
As long as (1) such a failure occurs within 50 years from the date the warranty begins and (2) the Homeowner promptly notifies the Manufacturer of the Product of that failure by contacting it through its toll-free phone number listed below, the Manufacturer will correct that failure by repairing or replacing the Product within a reasonable time, without charge. This warranty is limited to the cost of repairing or replacing the Product, including installation. | ||||||||||||||||||
| What Is Not Covered; Disclaimer Of Liability For Consequential And Other Damages |
The Manufacturer does NOT warrant against failure:
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| This Is The Only Warranty |
THIS WARRANTY IS THE ONLY WARRANTY FOR THE PRODUCT PROVIDED BY THE MANUFACTURER, AND IS AND SHALL BE IN LIEU OF ANY AND ALL OTHER WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO AN IMPLIED WARRANTY OF MERCHANTABILITY, AND OF ALL OTHER OBLIGATIONS OR LIABILITIES ON THE PART OF THE MANUFACTURER. NONE OF THE MANUFACTURER'S EMPLOYEES, AND NO OTHER PERSON OR BUSINESS, IS AUTHORIZED TO MAKE ANY OTHER WARRANTY ON THE MANUFACTURER'S BEHALF COVERING THE PRODUCT.
THIS WARRANTY GIVES YOU SPECIFIC LEGAL RIGHTS, AND YOU MAY ALSO HAVE OTHER RIGHTS WHICH VARY FROM STATE TO STATE. SOME STATES DO NOT ALLOW THE EXCLUSION OR LIMITATION OF INCIDENTAL OR CONSEQUENTIAL DAMAGES, SO THE ABOVE LIMITATION OR EXCLUSION MAY NOT APPLY TO YOU. |
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| Manufacturers |
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2
Is there evidence to suggest concern about epoxy safety?
Prior to its use in pipe-lining, epoxies have served as barrier coats in water storage vessels. This process is
much simpler than lining a pipe, but the process and chemistry are still complex, and there are many
opportunities for problems. Failures in substrate preparation, e.g., insufficient drying, errors in mixing of
ingredients, etc., may lead to problems in the finished coating, some of which can affect barrier integrity (6). An
incorrect formulation could lead to incomplete curing and the potential for chemicals to leach from the coating
into drinking water.
Water contamination from some epoxy pipe-lining materials has been found in independent laboratory tests.
Alben el al. found that methyl isobutyl ketone and xylene leached from epoxy-coated test panels and from
epoxy-lined water storage tanks [cited in (5)]. Hazardous volatile organic chemicals, among them benzene and
1
ANSI – American National Standards Institute, NSF – National Sanitary Foundation
2
For example, with the USEPA listed organic contaminants, the ANSI/NSF 61 standard requires that contaminant
levels be no more than one-tenth of the maximum level allowed in water by the USEPA or other regulating authorities.
xylene, were found to leach from epoxy into water at levels above the acceptable maximum specified by US
and Canadian regulations, and some of the tested materials were ANSI/NSF 61 certified (7). The Satchwill
report concludes, “It was found that these linings can cause significant contamination of the drinking water” (7).
The US military services have used epoxy pipe-lining since the 1990’s to deal both with high corrosion
environments aboard ships and for pipe-rehabilitation to avoid lead contamination in drinking water (8)
(9). In 1992, the Naval Research Laboratory’s (NRL) coating development program was delayed and
forced to shift to new formulations. Changes in federal regulations that year tightened restrictions on
one of the existing coating components, a toxic, carcinogenic epoxy hardener, 4,4'-methylene dianiline
(10). While the main concern was safety of the epoxy workers, the components of some epoxy systems
used for pipe rehabilitation clearly pose a potential risk for toxic chemical contamination.
In the United Kingdom (UK), epoxy-lining for pipe rehabilitation began in the 1970’s and became common-
place in the 1990’s (11). Concerned that the aging of rehabilitated piping systems might pose health hazards,
regulators commissioned a study. The 2007 report to the UK Drinking Water Inspectorate concluded that,
“...any leaching from the pipe linings is at a low level” (11). Pipes lined with five UK-approved epoxy
formulations were surveyed. The report notes that, “Evidence of leaching of 4-t-butylphenol (4-TBP) from
Resin C was found...”, however, the concentration was quite low (in the part per billion range). While 4-TBP is
an irritant, it is not otherwise believed to present a significant health risk.3 It is important to note that in the UK,
in-place epoxy-lining can only be performed by approved contractors.
Some epoxy materials used for pipe-lining are formed from the controversial bisphenol-A (BPA).
Repeated studies by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have detected BPA in the
urine of 93% of tested individuals (age 6 and above) (12). BPA is an endocrine disruptor, and there are
significant concerns about the safety of chronic exposure to low-levels in food (13). While pipe-lining
suppliers say their products are safe, vendor documents acknowledge that there is some risk for
bisphenol-A exposure above ANSI/NSF 61 certification levels when lining installation procedures are
not rigorously followed (14).
Most vendor websites provide little detail on the chemical formulations of their epoxies. Even worse, there may
be serious inaccuracies, for example, the Cleanncoat site states, “...CleanncoatTM does not use any chemicals
in the pipe restoration process. We use three elements: air, sand, and epoxy” (15). There is no doubt that
chemicals, and in some cases hazardous ones, are used to produce epoxy pipe-linings. Any claim to the
contrary should be a red-flag for potential customers.
Table 1. BPA U.S. Consumption and Assumed Share Within TSCA Jurisdiction
Product Percent of BPA U.S. 2007
Consumption1 Assumed TSCA share
2
Polycarbonate resins 74% 62 - 64 %
Epoxy resins 20% 18 - 20 %
Flame retardants; Polyetherimides/
Polyarylates; Polysulfone resins; Unsaturated
polyester resins 6% 5 - 6 %
Total 100% 85 - 90 %
Table 2: BPA Intake Limits for Human Health Assessments
Authors Intake Limit
(mg/kg/day) 1 Endpoint (Animal dose in mg/kg/day) And Study
USEPA (Integrated
Risk Information
System; IRIS (1993))
0.05 Reduced body weight (5)
NTP 1982 two year cancer study in both rats and mice (as
cited in USEPA 1993)
0.005 Systemic – reduced body wt and liver effects (5)
0.05 Irreversible reproductive effects (50)
FDA (2008)
0.5 Reversible reproductive effects (50)
(All based on both 2-generation mouse study (Tyl et al.,
2008) and 3-generation rat study (Tyl et al., 2002))
EFSA (2006, 2008a-b)
and EC (2003, 2008) 0.05 Used 5 (lowest value in cited studies) Tyl et al. (2002, 2008)
0.05
0.5 Body weight (5) Reproduction (50)
Tyl et al., (2002, 2008)
Cited numerous studies with effect levels ranging from 0.010
to 0.100 mg/kg/day for a variety of effects in mice and/or rats
including changes in: maternal behavior, gender-specific
behaviors; sexual performance; novelty-seeking/impulse
behaviors; avoidance response; maze performance.
Willhite,et al. (2008)
(NSF International) 0.016 Used 5 (lowest value in cited studies) Tyl et al., (2002, 2008)
1
Most risk assessments take an exposure value from an animal study (dose in mg/kg-bw/day) and divide it
by several uncertainty factors to arrive at an acceptable dose in humans. This value is what is shown here as
an “intake limit” and is what is compared to an expected/estimated exposure value in a risk assessment.
BPA-based materials are pervasive in the U.S. economy. Apart from food-related uses,
they are used in automotive and other transportation equipment, optical media such as DVDs,
electrical/electronics equipment, construction, linings inside drinking water pipes, thermal and
carbonless paper coatings, foundry casting, and elsewhere. A handful of companies manufacture
most BPA, as well as most BPA-based polycarbonate and epoxy resins, but numerous companies
process BPA-based materials into final goods.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bisphenol_A
Read more: http://wiki.answers.com/Q/What_is_epoxy_based_paint#ixzz1W7tmNSOB
What is bisphenol A?
Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely produced chemical used primarily for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. More than 6 billion pounds of BPA are produced and used each year for this purpose. The use of this chemical is so profound that it was detected in the urine in 93% of the population over 6 years of age. The study did not include anyone under 6 years of age, so the level in their urine is unknown.
Polycarbonate plastics are typically hard and clear and are marked with the resin identification code number 7. As mentioned previously, the number 7 is considered the "other" category and includes chemicals other than bisphenol A. Nalgene water bottles were made with BPA until recently. They are being voluntarily pulled from the shelves and replaced by bottles that are BPA-free made with a relatively new plastic called Tritan copolyester. Other sources of polycarbonate are food and drink packaging, including infant bottles, toddler sipping cups, tableware, and food containers. Epoxy resins are used to line metal products such as canned foods, bottle tops, and water supply pipes.
